If you run a local service business — landscaping, detailing, HVAC, plumbing, esthetics, cleaning, towing, construction — you already know the truth:

Leads don’t matter. Follow-up does.

You can have the best ads, the best pricing, and the best service, but if you don’t follow up correctly, you will lose the job every time.

Research shows:

• 78% of customers book with the first business that responds.

• Most local businesses take 4+ hours to respond.

• 50–60% of leads go completely unanswered.

• 80% of sales require 5+ follow-ups.

The good news?
You don’t need to manually chase customers anymore.

This 11-step follow-up system is built for local businesses and designed to work fully automated using a platform like SaaSquatchAI.

⭐ Why This System Works So Well

Local buyers have short attention spans.
They want fast, simple, clear communication.

This follow-up process:

✔ Responds instantly
✔ Builds trust
✔ Removes friction
✔ Keeps the lead warm
✔ Encourages booking
✔ Looks professional
✔ Works 24/7
✔ Runs automatically

Set it up once → it works forever.

Let’s break it down.

THE 11-STEP FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM

Step 1: Instant Text Reply (0–10 Seconds)

Speed is everything.

As soon as a lead comes in:

✔ Send a warm welcome text
✔ Let them know you received their inquiry
✔ Set expectations
✔ Ask a simple question to start the conversation

Example:
“Hey! Thanks for reaching out. What’s the best service you're looking for today?”

This proves you're responsive — even if you're busy.

Automate in SaaSquatchAI:
Trigger → “New Lead → Send Intro Text”

Step 2: Instant Email Confirmation (0–30 Seconds)

Not every customer reads texts.

This email should:

✔ Confirm receipt
✔ Introduce your business
✔ Provide helpful info
✔ Include a booking or estimate link

This builds credibility and professionalism.

Step 3: Missed Call Text Back (1–5 Seconds)

When you miss a call, most customers don’t leave voicemails.

Sending an automated text like:

“Sorry we missed you! How can we help?”

…helps recover up to 40% more leads.

SaaSquatchAI includes this feature automatically.

Step 4: Personalized Follow-Up Text (30–60 Minutes)

If they don’t reply to the first message, send a more specific text later the same day.

Example:

“Just checking in — were you looking for pricing or availability?”

Short. Simple. Effective.

Step 5: Quote/Estimate Sent (After Conversation)

Once you know what they need:

✔ Send a digital estimate
✔ Keep it clean, simple, and mobile-friendly
✔ Include photos if helpful
✔ Add an expiration date
✔ Include a “Book Now” button

Digital = higher conversions.

Step 6: 24-Hour Estimate Reminder

Most customers read the estimate but forget to respond.

This reminder:

✔ Keeps your business top-of-mind
✔ Shows professionalism
✔ Closes more jobs

Example:
“Just wanted to follow up on the estimate we sent yesterday. Want me to get you on the schedule?”

Simple = effective.

Step 7: 3-Day Check-In

By day 3, many customers are ready — they just need a nudge.

Example:
“Still interested in getting this done? We have availability this week.”

This converts another 10–15% of leads.

Step 8: Value Message (Day 5)

If they’re still on the fence, share value instead of another reminder.

Examples:

• Before/after photos

• Reviews

• Warranty info

• FAQs

• A small offer

This builds trust without being pushy.

Step 9: Final Follow-Up (Day 7)

Your last message should be friendly, not salesy.

Example:
“Just checking in one last time — want me to hold a spot for you? If not, no worries at all!”

Customers appreciate this tone.

Step 10: Long-Term Nurture (Day 10–60)

If they don’t buy today, that doesn’t mean “never.”

Nurture sequences help convert leads over time:

✔ Seasonal reminders
✔ Promotions
✔ Tips & helpful info
✔ Service recommendations
✔ Review showcases

These automations close jobs weeks after the original lead.

Step 11: Add Them to Your Database Forever

Even if they didn’t book:

• Tag them

• Add them to your CRM

• Keep sending helpful content

• Stay top-of-mind

• Reactivate them later

Many local businesses rely on one-time customers and lose out on lifetime value.

A CRM fixes this.

How This 11-Step System Impacts Local Businesses

Local businesses using this exact system see:

📈 2×–3× more booked jobs
📈 50–80% faster response times
📈 Fewer lost leads
📈 Fewer missed messages
📈 Higher customer satisfaction
📈 More reviews
📈 More revenue
📈 Less stress

Your follow-up becomes:

• Automatic

• Professional

• Consistent

• Predictable

• Scalable

This is how small businesses grow into bigger businesses.

Why SaaSquatchAI Is the Best Platform for This System

SaaSquatchAI includes everything needed to run this system automatically:

✔ Automated SMS + Email
✔ Missed call text back
✔ Lead pipelines
✔ Digital estimates & invoices
✔ Automated reminders
✔ AI assistant “Anna” to respond 24/7
✔ Online booking
✔ Tagging + segmentation
✔ Long-term nurture campaigns
✔ CRM + customer history
✔ Review automation
✔ Website + landing pages

Most businesses try to manage follow-up manually.
With SaaSquatchAI, the entire system runs itself.